The Women’s World Cup final heads a week in which some of the most iconic events in world sport begin, including the Ashes cricket and the Tour de France
Women’s World Cup final, Sunday
For a second World Cup final in a row Japan take on the United States in Vancouver. Japan won in 2011 on penalties in Germany and they have a 100 per cent record in reaching the final. The Americans, who won the title in 1991 and 1999, defeated favourites Germany 2-0 in the semi-finals thanks to goals from captain Carli Lloyd and Kelley O’Hara.
F1 British Grand Prix, Sunday
Lewis Hamilton bids to repeat last year’s success at his home race when he takes to the grid at Silverstone. The championship leader will seek to halt the momentum of Mercedes-GP teammate Nico Rosberg, who has won three of the past four races, including the Austrian Grand Prix two weeks ago.
Tour de France, Saturday onwards
The 102nd staging of cycling’s most famous race begins today in Utrecht in the Netherlands with a time trial. Italian rider Vincenzo Nibali is back to defend the title he won last year, but can expect tough challenges from former champions Alberto Contander and Chris Froome.
Ashes first Test, Wednesday onwards
The first Test starts in Cardiff as the England cricket team begin their bid to regain the Ashes from Australia, who won the most recent series in 2013/14 in Australia 5-0. Alastair Cook captains England, while Michael Clarke is aiming to lead Australia to their first Test series win on English soil since 2001.
Scottish Open, Thursday onwards
With the third major of the season, the British Open, beginning at St Andrews in two weeks, the last lead-up European Tour event, the Scottish Open, begins on Thursday at the Gullane course east of Edinburgh. England’s Justin Rose is the defending champion.
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